Tampopo (1985)

[Drunk Monk]

I remembered this film fairly well surprisingly. I suppose it had significant impact upon me when it came out, because that was when I was frequenting art film houses like Camera One & the New Varsity, just to uncover gems like this. And it still holds up pretty well. It still has its quirky charm and food porn. I forgot about the soft shelled turtle killing, which is harsh. But the rest I remembered fairly well, which is refreshing because sometimes I forget movies that I’ve reviewed professionally nowadays. 

Made me crave ramen, so that was dinner tonight. 

Also made me fall into a web rabbit hole about ramen. I didn’t realize that it’s origins were Chinese and the pork slices were originally char siu (I used to love char siu and kinda regret not sampling some again for my brief sojourn back to carnivorousness last summer - if you’ve never had it, you have no idea what carnal pork goodness you’re missing). Also didn’t realize that ramen didn’t really establish itself until after WWII.

[thatguy]

I still remember the soft turtle murder scene. It sticks in my head like the chicken beheading during the rowers rowing scene in Willy Wonka... Apart from that, great watching. I love the opening.

--tg

[Drunk Monk]

I remember the turtle murder in Farewell my Concubine and (yikes) Cannibal Holocaust but forgot this one. 

I love all the yakuza scenes. I even remembered the soy sauce & wasabi last line.